mineral

Banded fluorite (likely)

Fluorite, calcium fluoride (CaF₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent purple, lavender, reddish-brown and gray banding with vitreous luster; cubic crystal structure and perfect octahedral cleavage. Mohs hardness 4; specific gravity about 3.18, though the specimen appears partly rough and matrix-bearing.

Identified August 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Fluorite forms mainly in hydrothermal veins and replacement deposits, commonly with quartz, calcite, galena, or barite. Its age depends on the deposit; major commercial material formed from Paleozoic to Cenozoic hydrothermal activity.

Uses & applications

Used as a flux in steel and aluminum production, in hydrofluoric-acid manufacture, optics, and as a collector mineral; attractive banded pieces are cut and polished for display.

Geological facts

Purple coloration commonly results from radiation-related color centers or trace impurities. The blocky cleavage and unusually low hardness distinguish fluorite from quartz and agate.

Field identification & locations

Test cautiously: fluorite can be scratched by a steel knife, while quartz cannot; cleavage surfaces are diagnostic, and UV fluorescence may occur. Common sources include China, Mexico, the United States, England, and Mongolia.